December 14, 2020

Types of rope: natural ropes

There are five types of natural rope, namely the following: Manila. Manila is a golden brown colour and is made up of strands from a type of banana plant (the abaca) which grows in the Philippines, Borneo and central America. When mature the abaca plant grows to a height of […]
December 14, 2020

Types of rope: man-made (synthetic) ropes

There are five types of synthetic ropes, namely Nylon (Polymide). Nylon is the strongest of all ropes in common use and is slightly stronger than polyester. However, if it is much used, it becomes weaker than polyester. It is also the most elastic of all ropes and can stretch up […]
December 14, 2020

Handling and care of ropes

When working with ropes the following should be borne in mind at all times: Never lead a rope around a sharp bend or over an edge. The chaffing action will quickly wear away the rope and cause it to part. To minimise this, always lead the rope around a smooth, […]
December 14, 2020

Handling mooring lines

The following should be born in mind when handling mooring lines/ropes: Be constantly aware of what is happening around you. Never sit on the bulwark or railing while waiting for something to happen. When throwing a heaving line, never stand on the edge of the deck. When waiting to send […]
December 14, 2020

Basic knots, bends, hitches and spices: Whippings

Before a rope is used one should always ensure that the ends are whipped. This prevents the ends from turning into “horses tails” and starting to unravel. It also makes the rope more seamanlike and neater. A whipping should always be at least equal in length to the diameter of […]